CN1688875A - Method and apparatus for receiving a removable media member - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to receiving removable media and, in some embodiments, provides tighter alignment tolerances between an inserted removable media member and a receiving device. The present invention also relates to providing one or more electrical or optical devices on or in the removable media member itself and providing an electrical or optical link between the one or more electrical or optical devices on or in the removable media member and the receiving device.

Description

Method and apparatus for receiving removable media components

This application claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/404,876, filed August 21, 2002, entitled "Hemocytometer"; U.S. Patent Application No. 09, filed August 2, 2000, entitled "Portable Flow Cytometer" /630,924; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/630,927, filed August 2, 2000, entitled "Optical Detection System for a Flow Cytometer"; filed June 19, 2002, and entitled "Electrostatically Actuated Valve" U.S. Patent Application No. 10/174,851; and U.S. Patent Application No. 09/404,560, filed September 23, 1999, entitled "Addressable Valve Arrays for Proportional Pressure or Flow Control," now U.S. Patent No. .6,240,944, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background technique

The present invention relates generally to removable media, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for receiving removable media components.

Devices and systems using removable media components of one form or another have grown in popularity over the past few decades. Some illustrative removable media components include, for example, removable or replaceable filters, removable ink and toner cartridges, removable data storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, removable tape reels, Removable storage strips and more.

A limitation of many existing systems is that the positioning tolerances between the inserted removable media component and the receiving device are often not very tight. In some cases the receiving means simply comprises a slot for receiving the removable media component. In other cases, more complex mechanisms are provided, such as those used in conventional video cassette recorders (VCRs) to receive videotapes. The positioning tolerances achievable with these existing systems are not satisfactory.

Another limitation of many existing systems is that there is generally no provision to include one or more electrical or optical devices on or in the removable media component. However, for some applications it may be desirable to provide one or more electrical and/or optical devices on or in the removable media component.

In addition, one or more electrical, optical and/or wireless links or connections may preferably be provided between the removable medium and the receiving device or therein between electrical and/or optical devices, e.g. Can perform different functions.

summary

The present invention overcomes this by providing a method and apparatus for receiving a removable media component, and more particularly, by providing a method and apparatus for providing tighter positioning tolerances between an inserted removable media component and a receiving device. Many disadvantages of the prior art. The invention also provides for providing one or more electrical or optical devices on or in the removable medium part itself and for said one or more electrical and/or optical devices on or in said removable medium and receiving means. Methods and apparatus for providing electrical and/or optical links between optical devices.

In a first illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for receiving a removable media component is provided. The device comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are adapted to be separated from each other to provide a space for receiving a removable media part. Once the removable media component is inserted into the space, the first and second components are movable relative to each other to engage and/or secure the removable media component.

In one illustrative embodiment, the first member has one or more L-shaped wedges that provide slots for receiving the removable media member. The L-shaped wedge, for example, may comprise a first leg extending from the first part to the second part and a leg protruding from a distal end of the first leg in a direction perpendicular to the first leg so as to form a channel or receiving slot. second bracket. The channel or receiving slot may then receive at least one side of the removable media component.

In some embodiments, two L-shaped wedges are provided to provide two spaced apart channels for receiving opposite sides of the removable media component. That is, the channels or slots of the first L-shaped wedge and the channels or slots of the second L-shaped wedge may be arranged such that when the removable media component is inserted between the first component and the second component, the Removable media parts slide into two channels. In one embodiment, two L-shaped wedges are secured to the first part.

During use, the first and second parts can be separated from each other and the removable media part can be slid into a channel or slot provided by one or more L-shaped wedges. Preferably the L-shaped wedges are positioned such that when the removable media component is received by one or more L-shaped wedges, the removable media component is at least substantially positioned in the desired position relative to the first component and/or the second component. . The first and second members may then be moved relative to each other to engage and/or secure the removable media member therebetween.

In order to remove the removable media part, the first part and the second part can be separated from each other. Because at least a portion of the removable media component is positioned within the channel or slot of the one or more L-shaped wedges, when the one or more L-shaped wedges are secured to the first component, the first component and the second component are connected to each other. The removable media part can be pulled out of the second part by means of an L-shaped wedge during separation.

To provide better alignment between the removable media component and the first and/or second component, the second component may include one or more locating pins extending toward the first component. The removable media component may then include one or more receiving holes for receiving the one or more alignment pins. The positioning pins and receiving holes allow for improved positioning between the removable media part and the first and/or second part when the removable media part is secured between the first part and the second part.

Preferably, said one or more L-shaped wedges can be used to pull said removable media member out of the second member so that the one or more receiving apertures of said removable media member are aligned with the second member. out of one or more alignment pins detached. With the one or more receiving holes separated from the alignment pins, it may then be easier to remove the removable media part from between the first part and the second part.

In some embodiments, a removable media component may include one or more electrical and/or optical devices. For example, removable media components may include one or more transistors, diodes, sensors such as optical, pressure, and/or flow sensors, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), LEDs (light emitting diodes), electrostatically driven actuators, or pumps, microlenses or any other suitable electrical, mechanical and/or optical devices. An illustrative removable media component including a flow sensor is shown and described in US Patent Application No. H00-03973, which is hereby incorporated by reference. An electrical and/or optical interface may be provided between the first and/or second component and the removable media component for providing power and/or communicating or controlling one or more electrical, mechanical and/or optical devices.

In one illustrative embodiment, one or more electrical contact pads are provided on a surface of the removable dielectric component. One or more electrical contact pads may be electrically connected to one or more electrical and/or optoelectronic means of the removable dielectric component, such as by metal traces or the like. In an illustrative embodiment, the first component may include one or more spring-loaded probes extending from the first component to the second component. Preferably said one or more spring-loaded probes are arranged so that when the removable media part is in a desired position between the first part and the second part, said one or more spring-loaded probes are aligned with said One or more electrical contact pads of a removable dielectric part. In some cases, the one or more alignment pins described above can help provide alignment between the one or more spring-loaded probes of the first component and the one or more electrical contact pads of the removable dielectric component. When the first part and the second part are moved relative to each other so as to secure and/or engage the removable dielectric part, one or more spring-loaded probes of the first part are welded to one or more electrical contacts of the removable dielectric part. Disc electrical contacts.

To help separate one or more spring-loaded probes of the first part from the one or more electrical contact pads when the first part is separated from the second part, an outward contact may be provided between the first part and the removable dielectric part. Or separate bias. The outward bias may be overcome when the first and second members are moved relative to each other to secure and/or engage the removable media member. However, when the first and second parts are separated from each other to release the removable media part, the outward bias may separate the one or more spring loaded probes of the first part from the one or more electrical contact pads , which may make it easier to remove the removable media part from between the first part and the second part, and may help prevent damage to the spring loaded probe.

In another illustrative embodiment, one or more light emitters and/or receivers may be disposed on the surface of the removable media component. The one or more optical transmitters and/or receivers may be electrically connected to one or more electrical and/or optoelectronic devices of the removable dielectric component, such as optical waveguides, metal traces, and the like. In the described embodiment, the first component and/or the second component may comprise one or more light emitters and/or light receivers, preferably the one or more light receivers of the first component and/or the second component One or more light emitters and/or light receivers are arranged to communicate with one or more light emitters and/or receivers of the removable medium part when the removable medium part is in a desired position between the first part and the second part device alignment. In some cases, one or more alignment pins described above may facilitate the alignment between the light emitter and/or light receiver of the first part and/or the second part and the one or more light emitters and light receivers of the removable media part. Orientation is provided between optical receivers. When the first part and the second part move relative to each other so as to fix and/or engage the removable medium part, the one or more light emitters and/or light receivers of the first and/or second part are connected to the removable media part. One or more optical transmitters and/or optical receivers of the media components are aligned to provide a communication link therebetween. For example, one or more optical transmitters and/or optical receivers may be used to facilitate providing optical communication between a removable media component and a receiving device that accepts or receives the removable media component. In another illustrative embodiment, one or more RF (radio frequency) transmitters and/or receivers may be located on or within the removable media component. For example, one or more RF transmitters and/or receivers may be used to facilitate wireless communication between a removable media component and a receiving device that accepts or receives the removable media component.

In some cases, the removable media component may include one or more fluid ports for receiving or providing fluid to the removable media component. In one illustrative embodiment, the removable media component may be a fluidic cartridge suitable for a flow cytometer. The fluidic cassette may include one or more flow channels. The one or more liquid ports may be in liquid communication with at least one of the flow channels. When so provided, one or more corresponding liquid ports may be provided on the first component and/or the second component as desired. Preferably said one or more liquid ports of the first part and/or the second part are arranged such that when said removable media part is secured and/or engaged by the first part and the second part, said one or more liquid ports are aligned with at least selected ones of the removable media components.

In some cases, as described above, one or more alignment pins may be provided to facilitate alignment between one or more fluid ports of the first component and/or second component and one or more fluid ports of the removable media component. location is provided. Additionally, an outward bias may be provided between the removable media component and the first and/or second component to facilitate One or more liquid ports of the removable media part are separated from one or more liquid ports.

In some cases, the manufacture of the removable media component may result in ridges, burrs, or other imperfections, particularly around the outer perimeter of the removable media component. In one example, the fluidic pods can be formed by laminating several layers or sheets together, and then cutting out individual fluidic pods from the laminated structure. On the cut line, where ridges, burrs and other imperfections may occur, may be provided on the receiving surface of the first and/or second part in order to assist the correct placement of the removable media part along the first and/or second part Grooves or other relief to accommodate one or more imperfections in the removable media component. In one illustrative embodiment, the groove may extend along a groove path that corresponds to, for example, the perimeter of the removable media component, anticipating that defects may occur along the perimeter of the removable media component. However, it is conceivable to provide grooves or other relief patterns anywhere in the removable media component where defects are expected to occur.

Brief description of the drawings

Other objects of the present invention and many accompanying advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that correct evaluations can be easily obtained. In all drawings, similar numerals designate similar parts, In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative portable blood cell counter according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing the portable blood cell counter with the lid of Fig. 2 not yet depressed;

Figure 4 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing the portable blood cell counter with the cover of Figure 2 depressed;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another illustrative portable blood cell counter according to the present invention;

6 is a perspective side view of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5;

7 is another perspective view of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5;

8 is a perspective view of a first printed circuit board or component of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lower wedge of the first printed circuit board or component of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the upper wedge of the first printed circuit board or component of Figure 8;

11 is a perspective view of the outwardly biased wedge of the first printed circuit board or component of FIG. 8; and

12 is a perspective view of a second printed circuit board or component of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5 .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

For purposes of illustration, a portable flow cytometer system will be described in detail below. However, it must be appreciated that the present invention has broad applicability possibilities for many other removable media systems including, for example, removable or replaceable filters, removable ink and toner cartridges, removable Data storage devices, removable tape cartridges, removable memory sticks, and many other systems and/or devices that use removable media.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative portable blood cell counter in accordance with the present invention. A portable blood cell counter is generally indicated at 10 and includes a housing 12 and a removable or replaceable cartridge 14 . Removable case 14 may have a front, a back, and one or more sides extending between the front and the back. The illustrative housing 12 includes a base 16 , a cover 18 and a hinge 20 connecting the base 16 to the cover 18 . Base 16 includes light source array 22, associated optics and electronic circuitry necessary for the operation of the hemocytometer. Cover 12 includes a manually pressurized element, a pressure chamber with a control microvalve, and a photodetector array 24 with associated optics, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. Further described in Patent Application No. 09/630,924 and US Patent Application filed August 2, 2000 and entitled "Optical Detection System for a Flow Cytometer," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Removable component (eg, cartridge) 14 preferably receives sample fluid through sample collection port 32 . The sample collection port 32 can be protected with a cover 38 when the removable cartridge 14 is not in use. The removable cartridge 14 allows for hemodilution, red blood cell lysis and hydrodynamic focusing for core formation. The removable cartridge 14 can be constructed similarly to the fluidic circuits commercially available from Micronics Inc., some of which can be fabricated using a laminate structure with etched fluid pathways.

With the lid 18 in the open position, the removable cartridge 14 is inserted into the housing. The removable case 14 may include holes 26a and 26b for receiving alignment pins 28a and 28b in the base 16, which facilitate positioning and coupling between the various parts of the instrument. The removable cartridge 14 also preferably includes a transparent fluid flow window 30 which is aligned with the array of light sources 22 and the array of photodetectors 24 . When the cover is moved to the closed position, the system is pressurized and the cover 18 provides controlled pressure to the pressure receiving ports 34a, 34b and 34c in the removable cartridge 14 through the pressure supply ports 36a, 36b and 36c respectively.

To start a test, the lid 18 is lifted and placed into the new box 14, positioning it on the base 16. A primary blood sample is introduced into sample collector 32 . The cover 18 is closed and the system is manually pressurized. Once pressurized, the instrument completes a white blood cell hemocytometer measurement. Removable cassette 14 provides hemodilution, red blood cell lysis and hydrodynamic focusing for core formation. The light source 22 , photodetector 24 and associated control and processing electronic circuits perform white blood cell discrimination and counting based on light scattering signals received by the photodetector 24 . Instead of utilizing the hinge structure of housing 12, it is contemplated that a slide box slot or any other suitable structure could be used, including those described further below with respect to FIGS. 5-12.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 1. FIG. As noted above, the base 16 may include an array of light sources 22 for the operation of the hemocytometer, associated optics and necessary control and processing electronics 40 . The base 16 may also include a battery pack 42 for powering the hemacytometer. The lid 12 is shown having: a manual pressurization element 44; a pressure chamber 46a with control microvalves 46a, 46b, and 46c; and a photodetector array 24 with associated optical elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the removable cartridge 14 can receive sample fluid through the sample collection port 32. When pressurized through cover 18, removable cartridge 14 performs hemodilution, red blood cell lysis and hydrodynamic focusing for core formation. Once formed, a core is provided downstream of the fluid flow path path 50 through the fluid flow window 30 of FIG. 1 . Light source array 22 and associated optics in the base provide light through the core flow through flow window 30 . The photodetector array and associated optical elements also receive scattered and non-scattered light from the core through the flow window 30 . A controller or processor 40 receives output signals from the detector array, discriminates them and counts selected white blood cells present in the core stream.

It is contemplated that the removable cartridge 14 may include fluid control blocks 48 to help control the velocity of each fluid. In the illustrative embodiment, liquid control block 48 includes flow sensors for sensing the velocity of the various liquids and reporting the velocity to controller or processor 40 . The controller or processor 40 can then adjust the microvalves associated with the pressure chambers 46a, 46b and 46c to achieve the desired pressure and thus the fluid velocity required for the hemocytometer to function properly. In some embodiments, and as will be described further below, one or more electrical, optical and/or wireless connections may be provided between the processor 40 in the base 16 and the flow sensor on the removable cartridge 14 .

Because blood and other biological waste can spread disease, the removable cartridge 14 preferably has a waste reservoir 52 downstream of the fluid flow window 30 . The waste reservoir 52 receives and stores the liquid that now flows into the removable cartridge 14 . When testing is complete, it is desirable to remove the removable cartridge and dispose of it in a container suitable for biological waste.

Fig. 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing the portable blood cell counter of Fig. 2 with the cover not depressed. Figure 4 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing the portable blood cell counter of Figure 2 with the cover depressed. The lid 18 is shown having a manual pressurization element 44 , pressure chambers 46 a , 46 b and 46 c and a control microvalve generally indicated at 60 . The light source array and detector array are not shown in these figures.

There are three pressure chambers 46a, 46b and 46c, one for each liquid to be pressurized. In the illustrative embodiment, pressure chamber 46a provides pressure to blood sample reservoir 62, pressure chamber 46b provides pressure to cell lysate reservoir 64, and pressure chamber 46c provides pressure to sheath reservoir 66. pressure. Each pressure chamber 46a, 46b and 46c can be sized and shaped to provide the desired pressure characteristics for the corresponding liquid.

The pressure chamber 46 a includes a first pressure chamber 70 and a second pressure chamber 72 . A first valve 74 is disposed between the first pressure chamber 70 and the second pressure chamber 72 for controllably releasing the pressure in the first pressure chamber 70 to the second pressure chamber 72 . A second valve 76 in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber 72 controllably relieves the pressure in the second pressure chamber 72 . Each valve is preferably an electrostatic microvalve array, all of which are individually addressable and as described, for example, in co-pending serial number 09/404,560 entitled "Addressable Valve Arrays for Proportional Pressure or Flow Control" is controllable as described in the US patent application, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Pressure chambers 46b and 46c include similar valves for controlling the pressure applied to lysate reservoir 64 and coating fluid reservoir 66, respectively. Alternatively, each valve could be an array of electrostatically actuated microvalves, which are pulsed with a controllable duty cycle to obtain a controlled "effective" flow or leak rate. Alternatively, each valve may be similar to that described in co-pending US Patent Application Serial No. 1100.1174101, entitled "Electrostatically Actuated Valve." Said US patent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

The removable cartridge 14 has pressure receiving ports 34 a , 34 b and 34 c for receiving controlled pressure from the lid 18 . As shown, controlled pressures are provided to blood reservoir 62 , lysate reservoir 64 and coating fluid reservoir 66 . The lysate reservoir 64 and the coating fluid reservoir 66 are preferably filled before the removable cartridge 14 is shipped for use while the blood reservoir 62 is filled from the sample collection port 32 . A blood sample may be provided to sample collection port 32 and may be drawn into blood reservoir 62 by capillary action. Once the blood sample is in blood reservoir 62, lid 18 can be closed and the system can be pressurized.

Flow sensors are equipped with each liquid directly before hydrodynamic focusing. Each flow sensor 80, 100 and 102 measures the flow rate of a corresponding liquid. The flow sensor is preferably a thermal anemometer type flow sensor, and a microbridge or microbrick () type flow sensor is even better. Microbridge flow sensors are described, for example, in US Patent No. 4,478,076, US Patent No. 4,478,077, US Patent No. 4,501,144, US Patent No. 4,651,564, US Patent No. 4,683,159, and US Patent No. 5,050,429. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The output signal of each flow sensor 80, 100 and 102 is provided to the controller or processor 40 through one or more electrical connections between the removable cartridge and the base. Alternatively (or in addition), one or more light emitters and/or light receivers may be provided on the removable case 14 . One or more optical transmitters and/or optical receivers may be used, for example, to facilitate providing optical communication between removable case 14 and controller or processor 40 in base 16 . Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more RF transmitters and/or receivers may be located on or in the removable case. The one or more RF transmitters and/or receivers may be used, for example, to help provide wireless communication between the removable case and base 16 .

The controller or processor 40 opens the first valve 74 when the velocity of the blood sample drop is below a first predetermined value and opens the second valve 76 when the velocity of the blood sample increases above a second predetermined value. Valves 84, 86, 94 and 96 work in a similar manner to control the rates of cell lysing and coating fluids.

During operation, and to pressurize the system, the manual pressurization element 44 is pressed. In the example shown, the manual pressurization element 44 comprises three pistons, one piston each housed in a respective one of the first pressure chambers. The piston produces a relatively high inaccurate pressure in the first pressure chamber. A lower controlled pressure is established in the second chamber by opening the first valves 70, 84 and 94, which creates a controlled leak into the second chamber. If too high a pressure builds up in the second pressure chamber, the corresponding discharge valve 76, 86 and 96 is opened in order to release said pressure.

When the lid 18 is closed, the normally open first valves 74, 84 and 94 are closed, while the drain valves 76, 86 and 96 are simultaneously opened. When a predetermined pressure P is reached in the primary pressure chamber, the drain valves 76, 86 and 96 are closed and the first valves 74, 84 and 94 are opened to create a lower pressure P' in the secondary pressure chamber. The controlled pressure of the secondary pressure chamber provides the necessary pressure for the fluidic element circuitry of the removable cartridge 14 to generate fluid flow for blood, cell lysis and coating fluid. The liquid flow velocity is then measured by downstream flow sensors 80 , 100 and 102 . Each flow sensor provides an output signal to a controller or processor 40 for controlling the operation of the respective first and drain valves to provide a desired and constant flow rate for each liquid.

Downstream valves, generally indicated at 110, may also be provided. The controller or processor 40 may close downstream valves 110 prior to system pressurization. This helps to avoid the flow of blood, cell lysate and coating fluid into the fluid circuit before it is pressurized. In another embodiment, mechanical action is used to open downstream valves 110 when the lid is closed.

In some embodiments, the pressure generated in pressure chamber 46a, 46b or 46c or some other pressure chamber (not shown) may be used to control one or more pneumatic valves provided on or in removable cartridge 14 . The one or more pneumatic valves may be used to control, for example, the flow path, flow rate, or some other flow characteristic associated with the liquid or gas in the removable cartridge 14 . Alternatively (or in addition), the pressure generated in pressure chamber 46a, 46b or 46c, or some other pressure chamber (not shown), may be used to control one or more of the mechanisms that cause some other mechanical movement on or in removable cartridge 14. Multiple controlled pneumatic components, such as controlled pneumatic pumps, pistons, gears, etc.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another illustrative portable blood cell counter in accordance with the present invention. The basic operation of the portable blood cell counter of Figure 5 is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 1-4. The portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5 is generally designated 120 and includes a base 122, a first part 124, a second part 126, a clamping frame 128 with a clamping lever 130, an air buffer module 132, a polymeric microvalve The valve module assembly 134, the air accumulation module 136 and the optics assembly 140 of the.

In the illustrative example, second member 126 is secured to base 122 . A number of shoulder screws 142a , 142b , 142c and 142d ( 142d not shown in FIG. 5 ) pass through holes in the first member 124 and are secured to the second member 126 . Springs 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d (144d not shown in FIG. 5) are disposed between the first member 124 and the heads of the corresponding shoulder screws 142a, 142b, 142c and 142d. Springs 144a , 144b , 144c , and 144d provide a biasing force to first member 124 toward second member 126 .

As shown, the clamping frame 128 is secured to the second member 126 . The clamping lever 130 interacts with the clamping frame to provide an outward biasing force to the first member away from the second member 126 . Moving the clamping lever 130 in a first direction disengages the first member 124 from the second member against the inwardly biased force generated by the springs 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d. Moving the clamping lever 130 in the second, opposite direction, the first member 124 is urged toward the second member 126 by the inward biasing force generated by the springs 144a, 144b, 144c and 144d.

During operation, the clamping lever 130 is movable in a first direction to move the first member 124 away from the second member 126 leaving a space therebetween. A removable media component, such as removable fluidic cartridge 150, can then be slid into the space. As shown, removable case 150 may have a front, a back, and one or more sides extending between the front and back. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 , the clamping lever 130 may be moved in a second direction to move the first member 124 toward the second member 136 to secure and/or engage the removable media member 150 . FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5 .

In one illustrative embodiment, removable media component 130 has one or more fluid ports on the front and/or back, similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 . It is contemplated that one or more liquid ports are adapted to receive gas or liquid. Second component 126 of the illustrative embodiment includes corresponding fluid ports that align with one or more fluid ports of removable media component 150 . Such a liquid port is indicated at 160 in FIG. 6 . A liquid port seal (see FIG. 12 below) may be secured to the second member 126 to help provide a better seal.

The fluid control module may then be fluidly coupled to the fluid port of the second component 126 . In the illustrative embodiment, fluid control module includes air accumulation module 136 , valve module assembly 134 with polymer microvalve, and air buffer module 132 . The air accumulation module 136 includes an internal container for accumulating the pressure of air. A port (not shown) from the inner container of the air surge tank 136 to a source of air pressure may be provided. The built-up air pressure may be provided to valve module assembly 134 . The valve module assembly may include one or more microvalves, such as the polymeric microvalve disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 1100.1174101, entitled "Electrostatically Actuated Valve," which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 , the valve module assembly 134 can provide three separate pressure channels, including a blood channel, a cell lysate channel, and a coating fluid channel. . Valve module assembly 134 is preferably controlled by a controller in base 122 to provide three separate controlled pressures to air cushion module 132 . The air buffer module 132 buffers the controlled pressure and sends pressurized air to the liquid port of the removable media member 150 by passing through the liquid port of the second member 126 .

In some cases, removable media component 150 may include one or more electrical and/or optical devices. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, removable media component 150 may include three flow sensors that each measure the flow rate of pressurized fluid through three separate pressure passages of removable media component 150 . Similar to the above, the flow sensor is preferably a thermal anemometer type flow sensor, more preferably a microbridge or microbrick type flow sensor available from Honeywell international (company). Microbridge flow sensors are described, for example, in US Patent No. 4,478,076, US Patent No. 4,478,077, US Patent No. 4,501,144, US Patent No. 4,651,564, US Patent No. 4,683,159, and US Patent No. 5,050,429. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference. The output signal of each flow sensor is provided to a controller or processor in the base 122 , preferably via electrical, optical and/or wireless coupling between the removable media member and the second member 126 .

Optics assembly module 140 preferably includes one or more light sources (e.g., VCSELs) on one face of removable case 150, one or more photodetectors on the opposite face of removable case 150, and associated Optical element. When so configured, removable cartridge 150 may include a transparent fluid flow window aligned with one or more light sources and one or more light detectors. The air buffer module 132 , valve module assembly 134 and air accumulation module 136 are preferably controlled to form a core flow along the fluid flow path through the fluid flow window within the removable cartridge 150 . The light source, when activated, provides light passing through the core flow via one side of the flow window. The optical detector receives scattered and non-scattered light from the core flow through opposite sides of the flow window. A controller or processor in base 122 then receives the detector output and discriminates and counts selected white blood cells present in the core stream.

7 is another perspective view of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5, illustrating further details. FIG. 7 shows a hole 170 through the first part 124 and the second part 126 . Aperture 170 allows one or more light sources and one or more light detectors of optical assembly module 140 to have direct access to a fluid flow window of a removable cartridge (not shown in FIG. 7 ).

FIG. 7 also shows one or more spring-loaded probes affixed to the first member 124 . The one or more spring-loaded probes are preferably arranged to communicate with one or more electrical contacts on the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is in a desired position between the first part 124 and the second part 126. contact pad alignment. In the illustrative embodiment, three spring-loaded probe arrays 174a, 174b, and 174c are provided, each array mounted on a small printed circuit board and secured within corresponding holes in first member 124. The hole in the first part 124 can lead to the opposite side of the spring-loaded probe, and in some embodiments, it can provide a convenient location to realize the connection between the controller in the base 122 and each spring-loaded probe. electrical connection between.

Additionally (or alternatively) it is conceivable to fix one or more light emitters and/or light detectors to the first and/or second part. The one or more light emitters and/or optical detectors are preferably arranged to communicate with one or more of the removable cartridges when the removable cartridge is in a desired position between the first part 124 and the second part 126. Multiple optical detectors and/or light emitters are aligned. Optical links may be provided between the removable box and the first and/or second components 126, if desired.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first component 124 of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5 . FIG. 8 shows the opposite side of the three arrays of spring-loaded probes 174a, 174b, and 174c of FIG. As can be seen, each spring loaded probe is spring biased in an outward direction away from the first member 124 and towards the removable cartridge (not shown in FIG. 8 ). The spring loaded probes are preferably arranged to align with one or more electrical contact pads on the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is in the desired position between the first part 124 and the second part 126 . When the first part 124 and the second part 126 are moved relative to each other so as to secure and/or engage the removable case, the spring-loaded probes preferably make contact with one or more electrical contact pads on the removable case electrical contact.

When the first part 124 is separated from the second part 126, to help the spring-loaded probes separate from one or more electrical contact pads on the removable case, a Outward or separate biasing means 178 . Referring first to FIG. 11 , the outward biasing means 178 may include a wedge 180 and a spring 182 . The spring 182 may be positioned in the pocket 184 of the first member 124 while the spring 182 biases the wedge 180 in an outward direction.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the outward bias 178 can be overcome when the first member 124 and the second member 126 are moved relative to each other to secure and/or engage the removable cartridge. However, when the first part 124 and the second part 126 are separated from each other so as to release the removable cartridge, the outward bias 178 can cause the one or more spring-loaded probes 174a, 174b and 174c to be in contact with the removable cartridge. The separation of one or more electrical contacts on the cartridge makes it easier to remove the removable cartridge from between the first part 124 and the second part 126 and can help prevent the spring-loaded probe from being damaged during removal.

The first part 124 may also have one or more L-shaped wedges forming a slot to receive the removable cartridge. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, an upper L-shaped wedge 190 and a lower L-shaped wedge 192 are provided. For example, the L-shaped wedges 190 and 192 may each include a first leg 194 extending from the first member 124 toward the second member and a second leg extending from a distal end of the first leg 194 in a direction perpendicular to the first leg 194. 196 to form a channel or receiving slot 198 . A channel or receiving slot 198 may then receive one face of the removable media component. In the illustrative embodiment, upper L-shaped wedge 190 includes a second bracket 196 extending in a downward direction, while lower L-shaped wedge 192 includes a second bracket extending in an upward direction. Additionally, upper L-shaped wedge 190 and lower L-shaped wedge 192 are spaced to provide two spaced apart channels 196 for receiving opposing sides (eg, upper and lower sides) of the removable case. That is, the passage or slot of the upper L-shaped wedge 190 and the passage or slot of the lower L-shaped wedge 192 are arranged so that when the removable box is inserted between the first part 124 and the second part 126, the The removable case slides into two channels. In the illustrative embodiment, both L-shaped wedges are secured to first member 124 .

Locating pins 200 towards the back of the first part 124 may be provided to engage the back of the removable case. The positioning pin 200 is preferably positioned so as to stop the removable box stop at or near the desired insertion position between the first member 124 and the second member 126 .

During use, the first part 124 and the second part 126 can be separated from each other and the removable case can be slid into the channel or receiving slot 198 provided by the L-shaped wedges 190 and 192 until the removable case is positioned Pin 200 to withstand it. Preferably L-shaped wedges 190 and 192 are arranged such that when the removable box is received by the L-shaped wedges 190 and 192, the removable box is at least approximately in the desired position relative to the first part 124 and/or the second part 126. alignment. The first part 124 and the second part 126 can then be moved relative to each other to engage and/or secure the removable cartridge therebetween.

To remove the removable cartridge, the first part 124 and the second part 126 can be separated from each other. Because the upper and lower edges of the removable case are positioned within the channels or slots 198 of the L-shaped wedges 190 and 192, the removable case is L-shaped when the first part 124 and the second part 126 are separated from each other. The second brackets of wedges 190 and 192 pull away from second member 126 .

For better alignment of the removable media component with the first and/or second component, the second component may include one or more alignment pins 200 (see FIG. 12 ) extending toward the first component. The removable media component 150 may then include one or more receiving holes for receiving the one or more alignment pins 200a-200c. When the removable media part 150 is secured between the first part 124 and the second part 126, the alignment pins 200a-200c and the receiving holes can improve the connection between the removable media part 150 and the first part 124 and/or the second part 126. positioning.

The L-shaped wedges 190 and 192 are preferably used to pull the removable media member 150 away from the second member 126 so that one or more receiving holes of the removable media member 150 are in contact with the receiving holes extending from the second member 126. One or more alignment pins 200a-200c are separated. With the one or more receiving apertures separated from the alignment pins 200a-200c, removal of the removable media component 150 from between the first component 124 and the second component 126 may be easier.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower wedge 192 of FIG. 8 . The illustrative lower wedge 192 includes a first bracket 194a and a second bracket 196a, where the second bracket 196a extends in a vertical direction from the distal end of the first bracket 194a, forming a channel or receiving slot 198a. As shown, a support bracket 202a may extend from the first bracket 194 for supporting the lower wedge 192 on the first member 124 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of wedge 190 of FIG. 8 . The illustrative upper wedge 190 includes a first bracket 194b and a second bracket 196b, wherein the second bracket 196b extends in a vertical direction from a distal end of the first bracket 194b, forming a channel or receiving slot 190b. As shown, support bracket 202b may extend from first bracket 194b for mounting upper wedge 190 on first member 124 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second printed circuit board or component 126 of the illustrative portable blood cell counter of FIG. 5 . The second member 126 may be secured to the base 122 by screws threaded into the threaded holes 210a and 210b. As detailed above, second member 126 may also include apertures 170 that allow one or more light sources and one or more light detectors of optical assembly module 140 to pass directly to the fluid flow window of the removable cartridge.

In the illustrative embodiment, second member 126 includes a planar major surface having a recessed portion for receiving a removable cartridge. To provide better alignment between the removable case and the first part 124 and/or the second part 126, the second part may include one or more alignment pins 200a-200c extending toward the first part. Removable case 150 may then include one or more receiving apertures for receiving one or more alignment pins 200a-200c. The locating pins 200 a - 200 c and receiving holes may improve positioning of the removable cartridge and the first part 124 and/or the second part 126 when the removable cartridge is secured between the first part 124 and the second part 126 .

Additional pockets 212 and 214 may be included to receive second brackets 196a and 196b of upper L-shaped wedge 190 and lower L-shaped wedge 192, respectively (see FIGS. 8-10). By providing a relief pattern for the second brackets 196 a and 196 b of the upper L-shaped wedge 190 and the lower L-shaped wedge 192 , the removable case can directly contact the surface of the second part 126 .

In some cases, the manufacture of the removable case may result in ridges, burrs, or other imperfections, particularly around the outer perimeter of the removable case. In one example, a fluidic pod may be manufactured by laminating several layers or sheets together and then cutting individual fluidic pods from the laminated structure. On the cut line, ridges, burrs and/or other defects may appear. To help the removable cartridge fit flush with the surface of the second member 126, grooves 216 or other relief pattern structures may be provided on the receiving surface of the second member 126 to accommodate one or more imperfections in the removable cartridge. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 12 , groove 216 may extend along a groove path that extends around the perimeter of the removable case. However, it is contemplated that grooves or other embossed structures may be provided in any location in the removable case where a contemplated defect may occur. It is also contemplated that grooves or other relief patterns may be provided on the receiving surface of the first member 124, if desired.

In one illustrative embodiment, the removable cartridge has one or more liquid ports similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. It is contemplated that one or more liquid ports may be adapted to accept gas or liquid depending on the application. The second component 126 of the illustrative embodiment includes corresponding fluid ports 220a-220c, aligned with one or more fluid ports of the removable cartridge. A liquid port seal 222 may be secured to the second member 126 to help provide a better seal if desired.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings found herein may be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (57)

1. equipment that is used to admit removable media member, described removable media member has front, the back side and one or more side that extends between the described front and the described back side, and described equipment comprises:

First parts;

Second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are suitable for separated from one another so that be provided for admitting the space of described removable media member and be movable relative to each other so that fixing described removable media member; With

Described first parts have first chock that has first support and second support, described first support of described first chock extends to described second parts from described first parts, described second support of described first chock is extending laterally with respect to described first support, described first support and described second support are formed for admitting the passage of described removable media member, make described first support mesh one or more sides of described removable media member, and described second support mesh the described front of described removable media member or at least a portion at the described back side.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, described first support wherein is set like this, make that described removable media member is aimed at the desired position at least haply with respect to described first parts and/or described second parts when described removable media member during by described first parts and the admittance of described second parts.

3. equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second parts comprise one or more register pins, and described removable media member comprises the one or more receiving openings that are used to admit described one or more register pins.

4. equipment as claimed in claim 3, described first support wherein is set like this, make that the described one or more receiving openings in the described removable media member are aimed at described one or more register pins of described second parts at least haply when described removable media member during by described first parts and the admittance of described second parts.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 4, described second support of wherein said first chock is suitable for meshing described removable media member, and when described first parts and described second parts are separated from one another, described detachable media is extracted from described one or more register pins of described second parts.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first parts also comprise second chock that separates with described first chock, described second chock comprises first support and second support, wherein said first support stretches to described second parts from described first parts, and described second support is with respect to described first chock of transversely stretching to of described first support, described first support of described second chock and described second support are formed for admitting the passage of described removable media member, make described first support of described second chock be positioned at the one or more sides position adjacent with described removable media member, and described second support of described second chock mesh the front of described removable media member or at least a portion of one in the back side.

7. equipment as claimed in claim 6, described first support of wherein said first chock is positioned at one of described each side with described removable media member position adjacent, and described first support of described second chock is positioned at a relative side position adjacent in described each side with described removable media member.

8. equipment as claimed in claim 7, the front that described second support of wherein said first chock and described second support of described second chock all mesh described removable media member.

9. equipment as claimed in claim 8, wherein said removable media member is a fluidic cartridge.

10. equipment as claimed in claim 3, at least one is a stop pin in wherein said each register pin, when described removable media member was fully inserted between described first parts and described second parts, described stop pin was suitable for withstanding at least one side in described each side of described removable media member.

11. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second parts are fixed, and described first parts can move to described second parts.

12. equipment that is used to admit removable media member, described removable media member has one or more electric contacts, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and the described back side between one or more sides, described equipment comprises:

First parts;

Second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are suitable for separated from one another, so that be provided for admitting the space of described removable media member, and described first parts and described second parts are suitable for being movable relative to each other, so that fixing described removable media member; With

Described first parts have the one or more springs that outwards stretch to described second parts and load probe, described one or more spring loads probe and is arranged to when described removable media member is in desired position between described first parts and described second parts, and some electric contacts of selecting at least that described one or more springs load in described one or more electric contacts of probes and described removable media member are aimed at.

13. equipment as claimed in claim 12, in wherein said first parts and described second parts at least one comprises described one or more register pin, and described removable media member comprises one or more receiving openings, is used for admitting when described removable media member is on the desired position between described first parts and described second parts described one or more register pin.

14. equipment as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first parts also comprise outside bias unit, are used for providing bias force to described removable media member, and described bias force points to the direction of leaving described first parts.

15. equipment as claimed in claim 14 wherein is movable relative to each other when described first parts and described second parts, so that during fixing described removable media member, overcomes the bias force of described outside bias unit.

16. equipment as claimed in claim 15, wherein when described first parts and described second parts are separated from one another, the bias force of described outside bias unit promotes described removable media member and leaves described one or more spring and load probe.

17. equipment as claimed in claim 14, wherein said outside bias unit comprises spring.

18. equipment as claimed in claim 17, wherein said outside bias unit comprises the chock that is biased to the external position of leaving described first parts by described spring.

19. equipment as claimed in claim 12, wherein said removable media member are fluidic cartridge.

20. equipment as claimed in claim 19, wherein said removable media member comprises:

One or more flow channels; With

Selected some flow channel fluid connections in the one or more flow sensors, they and described one or more flow channel, described one or more flow sensors are electrically connected to some selected in described one or more electric contact electric contacts.

21. equipment as claimed in claim 19, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more pumps, and wherein said one or more pumps are electrically connected to some selected in described one or more electric contact electric contacts.

22. an equipment, it comprises:

Removable media member, but it comprises one or more sensors and/or actuating unit, described removable media member also comprises communicator, but at least one and the described communication of described removable media member in wherein said one or more sensor and/or the actuating unit; With

Pedestal, it is suitable for admitting described removable media member, and described pedestal comprises communicator, and the latter is suitable for the described communication with described removable media member.

23. equipment as claimed in claim 22, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more detecting devices, and described pedestal comprises one or more transmitters.

24. equipment as claimed in claim 23, described one or more detecting devices of wherein said removable media member comprise one or more photodetectors, and described one or more transmitters of described pedestal comprise one or more optical transmitting sets.

25. equipment as claimed in claim 23, described one or more detecting devices of wherein said removable media member comprise one or more rf detectors, and described one or more transmitters of described pedestal comprise one or more radiofrequency launchers.

26. equipment as claimed in claim 22, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more transmitters, and described pedestal comprises one or more detecting devices.

27. equipment as claimed in claim 26, described one or more transmitters of wherein said removable media member comprise one or more optical transmitting sets, and described one or more detecting devices of described pedestal comprise one or more photodetectors.

28. equipment as claimed in claim 27, described one or more transmitters of wherein said removable media member comprise one or more radiofrequency launchers, and described one or more detecting devices of described pedestal comprise one or more rf detectors.

29. equipment that is used to admit described removable media member, described removable media member has one or more fluid port, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and the described back side between one or more sides, described equipment comprises:

First parts;

Second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are suitable for separated from one another, so that be provided for admitting the space of described removable media member, and described first parts and described second parts are suitable for being movable relative to each other, so that fixing described removable media member; With

Described first parts have one or more fluid port, and described one or more fluid port are arranged to be aimed at at least some selected fluid port of described removable media member fixedly the time by described first parts and described second parts when described removable media member.

30. equipment as claimed in claim 29, in wherein said first parts and described second parts one or both comprise one or more register pins, and described removable media member comprises the one or more holes that are used to admit described one or more register pins.

31. equipment as claimed in claim 29, wherein be movable relative to each other so that during fixing described removable media member when described first parts and described second parts, between described one or more fluid port of described one or more fluid port of described first parts and described removable media member, form seal.

32. equipment as claimed in claim 29 wherein also comprises when described first parts and described second parts are separated from one another the device that described removable media member is separated with described one or more fluid port of described first parts.

33. equipment as claimed in claim 29, described one or more fluid port of wherein said first parts and described one or more fluid port of described removable media member are suitable for carrying gas.

34. equipment as claimed in claim 29, described one or more fluid port of wherein said first parts and described one or more fluid port of described removable media member are suitable for carrying liquid.

35. equipment as claimed in claim 29, wherein said removable media member is a fluidic cartridge.

36. equipment that is used to admit removable media member, described removable media member has one or more electric contacts and one or more fluid port, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and the described back side between one or more sides, described equipment comprises:

First parts;

Second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are suitable for separated from one another, so that be provided for admitting the space of described removable media member, and described first parts and described second parts are suitable for being movable relative to each other, so that fixing described removable media member; With

In described first parts and/or described second parts at least one has one or more springs and loads probe, described one or more spring loads probe and is arranged to when described removable media member during by described first parts and the admittance of described second parts, aim at some the selected at least electric contacts in one or more electric contacts on the described removable media member and

In described first parts and/or described second parts at least one has one or more fluid port, described one or more fluid port is arranged to when described removable media member is admitted by described first parts and described second parts, aims at some selected in described each fluid port of described removable media member fluid port.

37. equipment as claimed in claim 36, at least one comprises outside bias unit in wherein said first parts and/or described second parts, and being used for provides the bias force that leaves described one or more spring loading probes to described removable media member.

38. equipment as claimed in claim 36, wherein working as described first parts and described second parts is movable relative to each other, so that during fixing described removable media member, in described first parts and/or described second parts, form seal between described one or more fluid port of described one or more fluid port of at least one and described removable media member.

39. an equipment that is used to admit removable media member, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and the described back side between one or more sides, described equipment comprises:

First parts;

Second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are suitable for separated from one another, so that be provided for admitting the space of described removable media member, and described first parts and described second parts are suitable for being movable relative to each other, so that fixing described removable media member; With

Described first parts have groove therein, when described removable media member was in the desired position with respect to described first parts and described second parts, described groove extended along the groove path corresponding to the periphery in described removable media member front.

40. equipment as claimed in claim 39, wherein said removable media member comprise around some kinds of defectives of the periphery in described removable media member front, and described groove provides the impression space to described some kinds of defectives.

41. equipment as claimed in claim 39, wherein said removable media member is a fluidic cartridge.

42. a method of admitting removable media member, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and and the described back side between one or more sides, said method comprising the steps of:

First parts are provided;

Second parts are provided;

Make described first parts and described second parts separated from one another, so that the space is provided between them;

Described removable media member is inserted described space between described first parts and described second parts;

Described first parts and described second parts are moved relative to one another, so that fixing described removable media member;

Make described first parts and described second parts separated from one another; And

When described first parts and described second parts are separated from one another, described removable media member is moved with described first parts.

43. method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said second parts comprise one or more register pins, and described removable media member comprises the one or more receiving openings that are used to admit described one or more register pins, when described first parts and described second parts are movable relative to each other, so that during fixing described removable media member, described one or more receiving openings of described removable media member are admitted described one or more register pin.

44. method as claimed in claim 43, wherein when described first parts and described second parts removable media member separated from one another and described were mobile with described first parts, described one or more register pins were extracted out by the described one or more holes from described removable media member.

45. method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said removable media member is a fluidic cartridge.

46. method of admitting removable media member, described removable media member has one or more electric contacts, described removable media member have front, the back side and extend in described front and the described back side between one or more sides, said method comprising the steps of:

First parts and second parts are provided, described first parts have the one or more springs that outwards extend towards described second parts and load probe, described one or more spring loads probe and is arranged to when described removable media member is admitted by described first parts and described second parts, and described one or more springs load some electric contacts of selecting at least in described one or more electric contacts of probes and described removable media member and aim at;

Make described first parts and described second parts separated from one another, so that the space is provided between them;

Described removable media member is inserted described space between described first parts and described second parts; With

Described first parts and described second parts are moved relative to one another, so that admit described removable media member, make described one or more spring load that selected at least some and one or more electric contacts of described removable media member electrically contact in the probe.

47. method as claimed in claim 46 is wherein further comprising the steps of:

Make described first parts and described second parts separated from one another; And

When described first parts and described second parts are separated from one another, make described removable media member and described first isolation of components.

48. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said removable media member is a fluidic cartridge.

49. method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said removable media member comprises:

One or more flow channels; With

With one or more flow sensors of some flow channel fluid connections of selecting in described one or more flow channels, described one or more flow sensors are electrically connected to some the selected electric contacts in described one or more electric contact.

50. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more detecting devices, and wherein said one or more detecting devices are electrically connected to some selected in described one or more electric contact electric contacts.

51. method as claimed in claim 50, wherein said one or more detecting devices comprise one or more photodetectors.

52. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more optical transmitting sets, and wherein said one or more optical transmitting sets are electrically connected to some selected in described one or more electric contact electric contacts.

53. method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said removable media member comprises one or more pumps, and wherein said one or more pumps are electrically connected to some selected in described one or more electric contact electric contacts.

54. an equipment, it comprises:

Removable media member, it comprises one or more pneumatic response elements; With

Pedestal, it is suitable for admitting described removable media member, and described pedestal comprises one or more compressed air sources,

Wherein, when described removable media member is admitted by described pedestal, at least one pneumatic response element fluid connection in described each pneumatic response element of at least one compressed air source and described removable media member in described each compressed air source of described pedestal.

55. equipment as claimed in claim 54, wherein said one or more pneumatic response elements comprise pneumatic control valve.

56. equipment as claimed in claim 54, wherein said one or more pneumatic response elements comprise the element that produces the controlled pneumatic mechanical motion.

57. equipment as claimed in claim 56, the element of the pneumatic controlled mechanical motion of wherein said generation is the controlled pneumatic pump.

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